Phillip Buckley
What: FIFA 2010 World Cup
Who: France vs South Africa (Group A)
When: Tuesday 21st June, 2010, at 15:00 UK time
Where: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein, South Africa
A Camp in Crisis
France’s World Cup has been nothing but a series of mishaps and mistakes for the French team. Never together as a group, utterly opposed to coach Raymond Domenech, their campaign has fallen apart. Striker Nicolas Anelka was sent home by the FFF (French Football Federation) after verbally abusing Domenech at half time in France’s defeat to Mexico. The Chelsea forward’s comments were soon leaked to the media, leaving members of Les Bleus’ squad looking around for a traitor.
Next up was the baffling scene of the entire squad refusing to train on Sunday in protest at the FFF’s decision to send Anelka home. FFF managing director Jean-Louis Valentin then proceeded to quit his post blasting, "They don’t want to train, it’s unacceptable".
With a World Cup that has turned into an utter shambles, can the French, playing for a coach many reportedly dislike and who is quitting after the tournament and minus a popular striker, find some hunger to finish with a win?
Determined to End on a High
Hopes were high for Bafana Bafana coming into the tournament and no-one wanted to endure the pain of becoming the first host nation not to reach the knockout stage. Unfortunately, needing three points, Mexico to lose to Uruguay and a swing of five goals, South Africa, like France, are all but out.
However, South Africa are determined to end the World Cup on a high, desperate to repay the nation for such fantastic support. "We still have plenty of self-belief and confidence that we can finish the group stage with a win", said midfielder Teko Modise.
While hope, no matter how slim, remains South Africa can be expected to give this final group game their all. Urged on by vuvuzelas and a nation wishing their Bafana Bafana well, team spirit can make up for whatever disparity of skill exists between them and the French.
Recent form
France:
France 0-1 China (04/06; Friendly)
France 0-0 Uruguay (11/06; World Cup – Group A)
France 0-2 Mexico (17/06; World Cup – Group A)
South Africa:
South Africa 1-0 Denmark (05/06; Friendly)
South Africa 1-1 Mexico (11/06; World Cup – Group A)
South Africa 0-3 Uruguay (16/06; World Cup – Group A)
Players to watch
France – Patrice Evra: The France captain lamented the individual who chose to speak to the press about Nicolas Anelka’s half time verbal volley to Raymond Domenech, branding them a traitor. Certainly key to the side deciding to miss training in protest, Evra’s body language and desire will be key to France’s chances in this game. The left back is a bellweather for the rest of the squad and France need him up for the final group game.
South Africa – Katlego Mphela: South Africa’s main goal threat, Mphela has the ability to take whatever chances the hosts manage to create. Ultimately, like much of Bafana Bafana, not in the same class as France, Mphela will run all day for his country and would cherish the special moment that scoring in, what will most probably be their last game of the 2010 World Cup, would mean.
Match prediction
France are a camp completely split and just wanting the World Cup to end. South Africa in contrast would love to be involved in the tournament through to its conclusion. While it is unlikely any of these teams will go through, Bafana Bafana will give their all on the off chance that a miracle may happen. A close game, but one South Africa can edge.
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